For my student-selected reading, I chose to read several academic journals over the straight-edge punk movement. The styles of writing and rhetoric differ from article to article, however the ideas stay the same. These journals, however biased, did not try to persuade their audience as much as inform the readers. I did not find myself more inclined to "claim edge" after reading these articles, however I did feel more knowledgeable about and had more respect for the subject.
Straightedge is a concept that began in the punk scene in the 1980's that revolves around abstaining from three main things: alcohol, drugs, and casual sex. The idea behind abstaining from these substances is to go against the rock n roll dream of sex and drugs. Straightedge has also widened its views to go so far as to support veganism, animal rights, and anti-racism and anti-homophobic views.
Since the straightedge concept is to be open and accepting, and not to condemn others for not adopting an sXe lifestyle, these articles also do not set out to convert outsiders to claim edge. Also, these articles are not written by edge claimers, just people who are interested in the culture and have conducted extensive research and interviews to learn more about the community.
Sierra, I have never heard of Straightedge before this. Thank you for giving me a new topic to research. I was a teen in the 90's and was in the middle of the punk movement more so the grunge punk. Although I did not adhere to any of the punk movements I was very much a free spirit as many of my "punk" friends lived by. Neato, learn something new everyday!
ReplyDeleteInteresting writing Sierra. I have heard of the edge lifestyle before, but have never really known much about it. This blog encouraged me to want to learn more about it and look up some information. I think that's a key sign of good writing.
ReplyDeleteSierra, this is an interesting sub-culture that I did not even know existed! Are you planning to write about this topic for your informative research paper?
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